{"id":3606,"date":"2021-06-04T13:48:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-04T17:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/?page_id=3606"},"modified":"2022-04-29T08:20:00","modified_gmt":"2022-04-29T12:20:00","slug":"how-does-marijuana-work","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/marijuana-addiction\/how-does-marijuana-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does Marijuana Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/a>Marijuana<\/a>, also referred to as weed, is a mix of dried leaves and flowers from the Cannabis hemp plant. Most commonly smoked, marijuana can be brewed into a tea and cooked into food to achieve a mind-altering high. It has also been used for chronic pain treatment and healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marijuana contains THC \u2014 formally known as tetrahydrocannabinol \u2014 the chemical compound responsible for the drug\u2019s euphoric effects. The brain contains receptors that control bodily functions. When inhaled or entered into the bloodstream, THC from marijuana travels to the brain and influences how the brain receptors communicate with the body. This chemical throws off the natural balance of these receptors and other brain chemicals, creating the high people feel. Effects<\/a> of this drug are immediate but can take longer to enter the bloodstream if it is eaten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although this drug may be used for some medical purposes, the high is coupled with a variety of long-term effects to the brain and to the body. As with any drug, it is important to know the level of risk when using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Marijuana Affects the Body<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When smoked, THC chemicals travel straight from the bloodstream to the lungs. Similar to tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke contains a variety of carcinogens that could be detrimental to a user\u2019s health, increasing the risk of lung cancer. These same chemicals travel to the remainder of the body, including the heart. A marijuana high can elevate the heart rate, which could put heart disease patients at significant risk for a heart attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marijuana also poses a significant risk to brain development and functionality. THC levels can heighten a person\u2019s senses, impair coordination and response time. In high doses, marijuana can cause a user to hallucinate or experience anxiety symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If marijuana is eaten, it can affect the digestive system. In more serious cases, ingesting marijuana can cause nausea and vomiting. It can also cause an increased appetite, making the user crave food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Marijuana Enter the Body?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dried marijuana leaves can be ingested several different ways. Most commonly, marijuana users smoke the drug. There are several ways to smoke cannabis:<\/p>\n\n\n\n